Several news sources in Oklahoma, as well as ESPN.com, said a deal seemed imminent this afternoon. Ford reportedly met with Oklahoma State officials this week, after Bill Self, a Cowboys' alumnus, had turned down the job.

Self led Kansas to the NCAA championship game this year. Ford brought UMass to the NIT title game, where the Minutemen lost to Ohio State and wrapped up a 25-11 season.

Last Thursday, after Ford had turned down an offer to coach Providence, UMass athletic director John McCutcheon said Ford would remain with the Minutemen. He said the coach's contract was also upgraded, but did not elaborate.

Ford is 62-35 in three years at UMass. He was expected to meet with his UMass players today and tell them his decision, according to ESPN.com.

Not only did Ford turn Providence last week, he was also mentioned among potential candidates at Louisiana State.